An MP has hit out at "appalling" hospital waiting lists across mid Essex.

West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns is angry patients are not being treated within the Government's 18-month national standard waiting time and he is determined to press the matter with the Health Secretary.

North Essex Health Authority has said it is working hard to tackle the problem.

Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, a GP from Braintree who has been heading the North Essex Waiting List Task Force, said: "In-patient waiting lists in mid Essex have reduced by six per cent over the last seven months.

"But there are still long waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery such as hip, shoulder and knee replacement."

Hospital staff across the region will be running more theatre sessions to meet the current demand, according to a statement from the North Essex Health Authority.

"They will be analysing all other patients on the waiting list to make sure they are treated as quickly as possible and no-one has to wait more than 18 months," he said.

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